The oil pan does not need to come off, but three of the bolts that enter the lower face of the timing cover do. I wish it were just the oil pan that would need to come off, though. Everything you do have to remove is a pain because of the torque axis mount.

So ive been reading around, and whats the best way to get the HB off along with the crank pulley? ive seen sticking PVC pipes in the teeth of the gear....a large screw driver....a breaker bar.....but also, whats the way of cranking the car over till it comes loose?

This is the only part of the ordeal that worries me because i dont want to start a job i cant finish because of one stupid bolt.

When I replaced my timing chain, I had to pull the timing chain cover (not fun!), the oil filter adapter (the one for the oil cooler lines), and the oil pan. I highly recommend removing the oil pan and replacing the gasket ... unless you like oil leaks that is!